Orson Welles’s Citizen Kane

After watching Orson Welles’s Citizen Kane (1941), please provide detailed responses to the following questions:

1) What do we learn about Kane from the recollections of his friends, family and colleagues? How do these accounts differ? Provide an example. (3 pts)

2) What is the narrative function of the reporter, Mr. Thompson? In other words, what role does this character play in the progression of the storyline? (3 pts)

3) How does deep-focus cinematography enhance the narrative? Provide a specific example of this. (3 pts)

4) What do you believe the meaning of “Rosebud” to be, and how is it important to the story? (3 pts)

5) Where do we see influences of German Expressionism and Soviet Montage that influenced Welles in the making of this film? (3 pts) Provide an example of each.

6) Describe one way that Orson Welles uses sound to create atmosphere or to enhance the narrative of the film. Provide an example from a specific scene.